Network management

GTS has also tasks concerning the management and development of the transmission system. GTS is responsible for ensuring sufficient transport capacity, a balanced transport network and the necessary connections to other gas transport networks. The safety, efficiency and reliability of the system are key issues.

Command and control
GTS controls the transport system from a Central Control Centre (CCP) or Dispatching Centre. The CCP monitors all aspects of physical gas transport, including gas flow and gas pressure. Its main concern is to ensure that all the customers are getting enough gas. Any faults are dealt with immediately by the CCP, for example, by opening or closing valves remotely. This is done through a specially designed computer programme named ARGOS (Automated Remote Gas Transmission and Online Simulation). Another important computer programme is Nimbus (Nomination Information Modules for Data Exchange and SCADA Management). Nimbus is used by ´contract dispatchers´ to control both day and night orders of gas transport.

Network management also covers GTS´ gas measurement accounts system (which measures volume, energy and gas composition for invoicing purposes). This particular management process looks closely at the quality of the measurement process, notably the efficiency of technical functions such as accuracy, reliability and timeliness. Other responsibilities include processing the measurement data (e.g. supervision and allocation) and calculating data for accounting purposes.

The GTS pipeline network carries four types of gas flow: gas from the Netherlands for domestic consumption and export, and gas from foreign producers for domestic consumption (imports) and foreign market (transit).

Planning
Planning is a vital activity of network management. Only through planning can GTS anticipate market developments, provide new services and invest in the provision of pipelines, compression capacity and the storage of natural gas. The company therefore studies problems affecting the main transport network and looks for appropriate solutions. GTS also advises the network owner Gasunie on possible adjustments and carries out preparations for new construction and maintenance projects in the transport network.

GTS has a procedure to gain information from other market players in order to plan effectively. GTS has developed a special procedure for the purpose, which is implemented each year.